Republic of the Philippines

Department of Finance
BUREAU OF CUSTOMS
1099 MANILA

PRESS RELEASE
June 25, 2018

P75-M fake iPhones, smartphones, and tablets busted in Binondo

The Bureau of Customs, through the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS),
intercepted on Monday more or less 25,000 units of fake iPhones, smartphones, and
tablets worth P75-million in a warehouse in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
“The operation stemmed from a tip we received last week from a brand owner
representative that fake smartphones, iPhones, and tablets are stored in Warehouse
6, #641 Fernandez Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila,” said Commissioner Isidro Lapeña.
According to ESS, BOC has also received a derogatory report from a certain tipster
about the subject warehouse and surveillance has been conducted since May prior to
the raid.
On June 21, Customs agents immediately acted on the Letter of Authority number 06-
21-028-2018 issued by the Commissioner to investigate and examine the said
warehouse.
Local officials and representatives from the Philippine National Police and the
Barangay 302 were also present during the inspection.
Found inside the warehouse are thousands of alleged fake iPhones, smartphones,
and tablets without importation permit from the National Telecommunication
Commission (NTC).
“Based on the initial report from the NTC, these smartphones and tablets of brands
ZH&K, Chico Mobile, CKK, and Samsung bear fake NTC stickers,” said Lapeña.
Mr. Neil Crowther, the brand owner representative, also confirmed that the confiscated
phones and tablets without NTC stickers are counterfeit versions of iPhone, Nokia,
and Vivo.
The brand owner representatives of other confiscated phones are yet to issue
certification that the phones are counterfeit versions of their products.
Initial investigation of the ESS shows that the warehouse is owned by certain Joseph
Lee, Albert Chua, and Kevin Sy.
No one was arrested as the alleged owners were not in the premises during the raid,
except the warehouse operations manager identified as Peter Lee.
“We have given the warehouse owners 15 days from the date of inspection to provide
importation documents and other pertinent documents. We will proceed with the
seizure and forfeiture proceedings of their goods,” Lapena said.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Finance
BUREAU OF CUSTOMS
1099 MANILA

Charges will be filed against the warehouse owners for violation of Section 118
(Prohibited Importation and Exportation) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
(CMTA) in relation to Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code.
Lapeña commended all agents of the ESS, saying the su ccessful operation manifests
the strong commitment and dedication of Customs police to mitigate smuggling.
Last week, June 22, the BOC also seized P300 million worth of fake bags and shoes
stored inside the warehouses in Baclaran, Pasay City. ###